Rare Tibetan Buddhist Ancient Temple Snow Lion Architectural Ornament

The lion was adopted as a symbol of Shakyamuni Buddha in early Buddhism; it is also depicted as a vehicle for a number of Vajrayana deities such as Vaishravana and Manjushri, and the lion throne may be found in many nirmanakaya Buddha forms. The lion in India art is represented in Tibetan Buddhist art as the Snow Lion. The Snow Lion is the protector of Buddha.

Though paradoxical, the Snow Lion does not fly but their feet never touch the ground; their existence is a playful continuum of leaping from mountain peak to mountain peak. The energetic potency (wisdom or shakti) of the Snow Lion is expressed in the attribute of the gankyil or “ananda-wheel” the Snow Lion keep in eternal play. The gankyil is the principal polyvalent symbol and teaching tool of all the doctrinal trinities of Dzogchen and is the energetic signature of the trikaya. The gankyil is the inner wheel of the Dharmacakra of the Ashtamangala path of Vajrayana Buddhism.

The roar of the Snow Lion embodies the sound of emptiness, courage and truth, and because of this is often a synonym for the Buddhadharma, the Buddha’s teachings, as it implies freedom from karma and the challenging call to awakening. It was considered to be so powerful that just a single roar could cause seven dragons to fall from the sky.

Handcrafted, exceptionally excuted, this ancient temple Snow Lion (Imperial Guardian Lion / Chinese Foo Dog), is an extraordinarily rare and unusual form, having large circular gankyil medallion / orb and scrolling spiral foliate motif to one end, other having large lion holding a small cub in front claws, nicely detailed, with open mouth, exposed teeth and tongue, eyes, nose, claws and mane. Rising on rectangular base, standing at slight tilt. A beautiful and interesting architectural salvaged building element thats decorative, historical and whimsical.

Good proportions. Great for protection at the front door, use as a sculpture, statue or decor around the home, on the patio, in the garden or anywhere you could use luck.

Dimensions (approx):
16.5″h, 18″w, 6.5″d.